VATS Problem?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
VATS Problem?
Twice since I bought my 92 last September, I had it not start on me. Wouldn't turn over, just get the ignition circuit and dash lights, the usuall, just no starter.
Both times the car started about 10 minutes later while I was on hold with AAA. I'm thinking maybe the automatic transmission switch, or maybe VATS. I'm leaning towards the latter since it seems to need right about 10 minutes for the problem to go away both times it has happened, and I have seen VATS codes in the CCM before.
Is there a way to easily disable VATS? Is this a common problem? Seems to me I remember someone saying something a while back about disabling VATS because of problems with it.
Both times the car started about 10 minutes later while I was on hold with AAA. I'm thinking maybe the automatic transmission switch, or maybe VATS. I'm leaning towards the latter since it seems to need right about 10 minutes for the problem to go away both times it has happened, and I have seen VATS codes in the CCM before.
Is there a way to easily disable VATS? Is this a common problem? Seems to me I remember someone saying something a while back about disabling VATS because of problems with it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
You have to find the resistance of the pellet on your key and put it on the 2 wires from the VATS module.Someone will be by with more knowledge than I and give you better directions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
That happened to me recently too. I sat there thinking WTF? Then I remembered when I had a locksmith make me a new set of ignition keys. He had to wait like 4-6 minutes between each unsuccesful crank attempt, as he tried each key resistance value of the VATS. Suspecting a VATS glitch, I waited 6 minutes and it started up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
A few years ago, I first started having these same symptoms at very random times. I just put it off, until one time it never started up again, leaving me sitting in a parking lot. I had to carry a long peice of wire to jump current from the battery post directly to the starter solenoid in order to start the car, bypassing the VATS. I had to do this each time I shut the car off, untill I got the problem fixed. I'm carrying a long wire in the car, so if it happens again I can at least start the car and get home.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville FL
If you have some electrical contact cleaner you can use it to clean the pellet on the key and shoot some in where the key goes. Other wise use some alcohol to clean the pellet and try again. You need 4 minutes between attempts to get the VATS to reset itself.
Mine got so bad that I had to use my second key to get the car to start.
Mine got so bad that I had to use my second key to get the car to start.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
Originally Posted by scranage
parital quote --
Is there a way to easily disable VATS? Is this a common problem? Seems to me I remember someone saying something a while back about disabling VATS because of problems with it.
Is there a way to easily disable VATS? Is this a common problem? Seems to me I remember someone saying something a while back about disabling VATS because of problems with it.
Not sure about your area, but I wouldn't want to disable our car's security feature with the chances of theft always around.
Extra keys/heavy key chain has been reported to contribute to the problem.
As the key's resistor contacts can wear over time, consider following other's advice and get another key made and putting it into service instead of your current key.
Also heed the advice of the other forum member and ONLY use special electrical contact cleaner in the ignition (e.g. from Radioshack), other solvents might make it worse or cause other problems.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Remove the hush panel above the drivers feet and find the two wires from behind the steering column that go to a two pin connector. With your key in place, unplug the wires and measure the resistance across the wires from the steering column. It should measure the same as your pellet. If over 13k ohms, you need a new ign tumbler which has new contacts that make with the pellet. You can temporarily bypass VATS by connecting a fixed resistor across the 2 wires that go into the wiring harness (goes to the VATS module). A 1/4 watt 5% resistor from Radio Shack will work. Don't permanently bypass VATS because 99% of thefts are done by bashing the column and jumping the ignition.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Or just get a VATS disable box... Have one, and would not be without one.... (VATS, NO VATS, TOTAL DISABLED) are the modes and great to have all three (Corvette Central) $50
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
